About the Teacher

I truly enjoy reading great stories and literature with this age group. I also love teaching 4th graders how to evaluate and solve problems, collaborate with others, and critically think for themselves. I grew up on a 250-acre horse ranch in Upstate New York with my 2 younger brothers and sister. I spent a lot of my childhood chasing my golden retrievers through the woods, splitting firewood, baling hay, and swimming in ponds. As a kid I was involved in Scouts, and I have a strong affinity for the outdoors and survival stories. I played most outdoor sports, and graduated high school in a small lake town called Honeoye. I then played soccer at the collegiate level in Virginia for some time. Here in Utah I met my life partner Nicole. We soon added Savannah, Emmie and Alexander to our family. Later on, I graduated on the Dean's List from the University of Utah with bachelors' degrees in both Psychology and Sociology, and with a Certificate of Criminology. After tutoring in Salt Lake City and being a substitute teacher in Ogden for 1 year I decided to find a full time teaching position. Then, I completed a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix. While at a previous school I was a 3rd grade teacher for 6 years and a 4th grade teacher for 3 years. I also coached the Jr. High Soccer team. I do love to travel when I can. I have visited Canada, Mexico, France, Switzerland, Peru, Chile and many of the cities, states and National Parks here in America. I love to share my experiences as they pertain to learning 4th grade content. I've come to love Quest Academy and its community, so I really hope to have a great impact during my time here.